The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to remove unauthorised videos circulating on social media that show Arvind Kejriwal arguing in court in the excise policy matter.

According to a court official, recording court proceedings without permission is not allowed, and the High Court’s rules for online hearings clearly prohibit recording or sharing such videos. The official said action is being taken against those who recorded and uploaded these clips across platforms.

The Court has dealt with similar situations in the past as well, and the viral video of Kejriwal is one of the instances currently being acted upon. Whenever such violations come to light, the Court informs the authorities to take necessary action, the official added.

Kejriwal had appeared in person before the High Court on April 13 and argued for over an hour, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the case. Soon after the hearing, videos of his arguments began circulating widely online.

After Kejriwal concluded his submissions, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta addressed the Court and opposed the recusal plea.

Case Historty:

The case dates back to 2022, when the Central Bureau of Investigation registered an FIR alleging irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22. The probe was initiated following a complaint by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.

Later, the Enforcement Directorate also began a money laundering investigation in the matter.

A trial court had earlier discharged Kejriwal and 22 others, saying there was no case against them. However, the CBI has challenged that order before the High Court, where the matter is now being heard.

Earlier in March, Justice Sharma issued notice on the CBI’s plea and stayed directions for departmental action against the investigating officer, while also noting that parts of the trial court’s order appeared to be flawed.

Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia and other accused, has sought Justice Sharma’s recusal, alleging bias based on her previous observations and the way the proceedings have been conducted. One of the grounds cited was her attendance at an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad.

The CBI has opposed these claims, arguing that attending a seminar does not point to any ideological bias. It also noted that Justice Sharma has passed orders favourable to some of the accused in the same case, countering the allegations made against her